China reported 8.3 per cent increase in house prices for August against 9.7 per cent in July. Globally, copper futures for December delivery rose 0.81 per cent to USD 2.976 a pound on the Comex metals division of New York Mercantile Exchange.

Besides, pick up in demand from consuming industries supported the upmove, they said.

In the national capital, copper mixed scrap and nickel plate (4x4) rose by Rs 2 and Rs 5 to Rs 358 and Rs 780-790 per kg respectively. Zinc ingot, lead ingot and lead imported were also enquired higher by Rs 2 each to Rs 110-116, Rs 112 and Rs 118 per kg respectively.

In fact, segment leaders like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Hero MotoCorp have reported de-growth of 34.3 per cent, 45 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively giving a clear indication of a prolonged slowdown in the sector.